I don’t know about you, but I can’t possibly imagine a fall day better spent than sitting in the park, taking in the crisp air and autumnal colours with a fragrant tea warming my hands. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a tea addict year-round. But come September, there’s little that pleases me more than shelving the fruity summer teas and returning to my beloved fragrant, spicy blends. This fall, there have been three teas that have stolen my heart. Even if you’re not an avid tea-drinker, I highly suggest that you get into the spirit of the season and give one of these a try.
1. Autumn Apricot by Healing House Tea
Healing House is an emerging local tea company that focuses on creating tea blends rich with health benefits. I came across them at the Market Collective way back in May, but I picked up an autumn-themed tea nonetheless. It has rooibos tea base which means it’s caffeine-free, and the fruity flavour comes from sweet apricot and Asian pears. Like all of Healing House’s blends, it is made from organic ingredients, natural flavours, and is certified free trade.
2. Pumpkin Chai by DAVIDsTEA
Oh my goodness. I don’t have the words to express my love for this tea. It’s quite a contrast from Autumn Apricot — this is where the deeper flavour of a black tea comes to centre stage. It’s a perfect blend of a spicy, pumpkin-y and slightly creamy taste — and to top it all off, it’s made with are little pumpkin-shaped sprinkles.
Montreal-based David’s Tea has seven locations in Calgary, so if you’re craving a delicious mug of warm tea to warm you up on a breezy day this autumn, make your way down to your local store and you will not be disappointed. Seriously. My fall’s not complete without a cup of this stuff.
3. Oprah Chai Tea by Teavana
Earlier this year, Oprah Winfrey teamed up with Teavana to create her own chai tea blend. I know, I know, there are a million types of chai out there already, but something about Oprah’s blend is really unique. Every purchase donates to her Leadership Academy, an all-girls boarding school in South Africa. When you buy it as a hot drink at Starbucks, it’s a bit pricier than their regular Tazo chai option, but I’m okay with spending an extra dollar if it goes towards educating underprivileged women.
While this tea is available all year round, the smooth fragrant taste makes it feel especially appropriate in autumn. It has a more subtle spice than your average chai, but definitely highlights the cinnamon that a regular chai generally overpowers with nutmeg or clove. Next time you’re at Starbucks and not sure what to try — maybe consider trying this delicious chai blend and supporting South African women at the same time.
These teas are my autumn favourites, but I would love to hear about yours! Feel free to share some of your fall beverage recommendations in the comments below.